Healthy Habits: Benefits of Drinking Tea

 We all love sipping on a good cup of tea! Earl gray. Peppermint. Green tea. Black tea. Chamomile. Matcha… whatever your favorite may be, the combinations and possibilities are endless! And while we may enjoy tea for its diverse flavors and healthier energy kick, there are actually a number of health benefits that come with drinking tea regularly. 

In honor of National Tea Day approaching (April 21st), Jaya Jaya Myra, former immunologist turned mind-body wellness expert and bestselling author, wanted to highlight the wonderful mental and physical health benefits of drinking tea every day.

“Tea is one of my daily routines because it helps build synergy with everything else. This simple act has tremendous benefits for physical and mental health, and emotional wellbeing. Tea can boost the immune system, help fight viruses, and even decrease stress and anxiety, which we all need right now.” says Jaya Jaya Myra. 

Here are Jaya Jaya Myra’s top 5 mind-body benefits of drinking tea:

Benefit #1: Fights Viruses and Boosts Immunity
Black and green tea are known to have antiviral properties that can help your immune system combat viruses like the common cold and maybe even Covid-19. Anything extra we can do to support the immune system right now is a win-win.

Benefit  #2: Powerful Antioxidants Fight DNA Damage and Reduce Signs of Aging
Want to maintain that youthful radiant glow and stay healthy at the same time? A cup of tea, particularly green tea or matcha, a day may be just the thing. Tea, and green tea in particular is loaded with powerful antioxidants that fight DNA damage and oxidative stress on the body, keeping you looking and feeling young. Those antioxidants can also help prevent heart disease and even cancer.

Benefit #3: Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Black and green tea contain L-theanine, a compound that helps fight stress and anxiety naturally. It can also promote a sense of calmness, while helping you focus on whatever task is at hand, making tea a great morning or mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Theanine can minimize the jitteriness of caffeine, but if you’re sensitive to caffeine, go for a tea that has less, like green or oolong.

Benefits #4: Drinkable Medicinal Spices
People have been making “tea” with herbs and spices for centuries. While these are technically tisanes if tea leaves are not used, we’re not keeping track because the potent health and wellness benefits are profound. A common Ayurvedic staple is cumin coriander fennel tea, which contains a host of health benefits including stimulating digestion, which is the root of all health according to Ayurveda. Lavender and chamomile teas can help promote sleep and relaxation. You can make tea to have practically any health or wellness benefit you want!

Benefit #5: A Great Social or Self-Care Routine
Whether used as a daily self-care routine or a way to spend time with friends and family, tea has you covered. It’s one of those things that can be enjoyed just as much alone as in a social setting.